Re:Ask HN: Where can I find a software job that helps society?
by scottalpert on Tuesday November 12, 2013 @03:46PM
(#6720902)
Yes, been there, done that. I'm all in favor. But now, I want some of those warm fuzzies....
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Re:Ask HN: Where can I find a software job that helps society?
by Technophobe on Tuesday November 12, 2013 @03:59PM
(#6721023)
So I take it you're aware of the concept of buying good feelings, and true positive impact separately? http://lesswrong.com/lw/6z/purchase_fuzzies_and_utilons_sepa...
Re:Ask HN: Where can I find a software job that helps society?
by eli_gottlieb on Tuesday November 12, 2013 @06:57PM
(#6722335)
Ah, and here I was looking for an example of LessWrong being neoliberal in outlook!
You can't presume that the exploited-away surplus-value or negative externalities from your high-paying-donate-to-charity job actually exceed the good you're doing by donating to charity with the proceeds of your work. Warm fuzzies are, at the very least, a reasonable guide to doing work that's relatively sure to be relatively purer good.